Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 925: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a mechanism for transferring from social housing in Northern Ireland to similar housing in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9585/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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There is no general mechanism for transferring from social housing in Northern Ireland to similar housing in this jurisdiction. The acceptance or non-acceptance of housing applicants from outside the functional area of a local authority is a matter solely for the authority concerned. Section 9(5) of the Housing Act 1988 provides that 'a housing authority may, to such extent (if any) as the authority consider appropriate, include in an assessment "need arising from the requirements of persons who are residing outside the functional area of the authority".'.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 926: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views in regard to the concerns expressed in correspondence (details supplied); his plans to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9588/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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There is no provision at present in the voluntary housing schemes for the purchase of individual houses by tenants. However, it was agreed under Housing Policy Framework Building Sustainable Communities that consideration would be given in consultation with the voluntary and co-operative sector, to pilot a tenant purchase scheme for some new voluntary homes under the scheme.

The modalities of such a scheme have been the subject of ongoing discussion between my Department and representatives of the voluntary and co-operative sector including the Irish Council for Social Housing and the National Association of Building Co-operatives. Submissions received from a number of these organisations with regard to a pilot tenant purchase scheme, including correspondence received from the Droichead Nua Housing Association, have been examined in my Department. A number of issues have been identified by the voluntary and co-operative sector which require further examination and consultation. The introduction of such a scheme including its timing and possible location, will be determined in the coming months.